Real Estate Information

When selling a home, some small inconveniences can occur, but being prepared for them & working closely with your real estate agent, can limit the irritation. While we do our best to help the process go smoothly, there will inevitably be things that may be annoying. The fact remains that you'll be dealing with different buyer types when selling, and personality types do vary. 

It's good to know what to expect from buyers in advance to keep focused on the goal and not let the inconveniences and annoyances delay the process. Here are a few of the things to expect.

Last Minute Showings

Not everyone is organized with their time, and will sometimes request last-minute showings as they fit their schedules.  

While we do our best to get buyers to schedule at least a few days in advance, last-minute showing requests can & do come up. While this may seem like a major inconvenience to you, remember that this could be the buyer making an incredible offer on your home. A missed showing is a missed opportunity, so try to be open to any showings, even if it means juggling your schedules.  

Buyer Not Arriving for Showings

You work hard to accommodate showing times by coordinating schedules and ensuring your home is in tip-top shape and ready to make an incredible impression, only to find out the buyers will not be coming. Yes, this can be frustrating. However, things can come up on the buyer's end that were inevitable and caused the cancelation. Don't automatically assume it is an inconsiderate buyer.  Instead, work with your agent & buyers agent to reschedule at a better time for both of you. The situation can still be turned around to be profitable for both of you. 

Lights left on or doors unlocked

Sometimes a buyer's agent will leave the lights on or a door unlocked when showing your home. While this is very rare, especially a door unlocked as secure lockboxes are normally used, it could happen.

As real estate agents, showing instructions are included for buyers agents that convey exactly what is to be done during a showing, including the smallest of details. If those details are not followed, simply talk with your real estate agent and the situation will be remedied immediately.

Selling your home may come with some annoyances or inconveniences, but if you keep your eyes on your ultimate goal, and work hand in hand with your real estate team, the process flows much smoother. Communication is key, and your TEAM is always by your side. 

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Get ready to celebrate our nation's birthday in Omaha! Check out all of these fun events planned for the week up to the 4th!

City of Omaha Celebrates America Presenting Melissa Etheridge with Fireworks 

June 30

The free Memorial Park concert returns with music beginning at 6pm and the fireworks starting at 10pm sharp.

Ralston’s 63rd Annual Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks 

July 4 (1 pm)

Parade: 1 p.m. start – from 84th & Highland St. through downtown Ralston to 72nd & Main St.

Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball Game with Independence Day Fireworks 

July 3 (7:05 game start time), Tickets required

Enjoy the fireworks display following the game.

Symphony and Fireworks Show 

July 4 (8 pm), FREE

The Riverfront, 900 Farnam Street, Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68102

Music Director Ankush Kumar Bahl will lead the Omaha Symphony in a Salute to Our Military concert. Enjoy the fireworks display following the concert.

Independence Day Free Community Event 

July 2 (12 – 3 pm), FREE

Historic General Dodge House, 605 S. 3rd St., Council Bluffs, IA.

Please join us for our Annual Free Community Celebration! Come enjoy an afternoon of live old-time music, free tours, free food and drink, and much more!

4th of July Pool Party 

July 4 (pool open – 5 pm), $1

Celebrate the 4th of July at select City of Omaha pools. Admission is only $1 per person. Pools will close at 5 p.m. Only available at pools with open hours for that day. See list of pools here.

Have a Safe and Happy Independance Day!

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Are you looking for an inexpensive way to add some spice to your kitchen? Adding a backsplash is a practical way to add aesthetic value to your kitchen. And if you plan to sell your home in Omaha, a good looking backsplash will be one more thing about your kitchen to attract home buyers.

Usually, most people use porcelain or ceramic as materials for backsplashes. Those are durable and beautiful materials, but they aren't the only ones you can use. If you want to give your kitchen a new look, consider these options.

Tiles

Tiles can be made of ceramic, glass, or natural stone. Tile is popular because it's tough and does a great job of protecting the wall. It's also easy to keep clean.

You should consider the style of your kitchen when selecting tile. White ceramic tile can look great in both modern and retro-inspired kitchens. Natural stone in marble can give your kitchen a luxurious feel. Glass can add a bright and funky feel.

Glass

Speaking of glass, you could use a large sheet of tempered glass, instead of using glass tile. This works great for adding protected lighting above your stove. It also allows you to use any wallpaper or paint you want behind the glass. Using a sheet of glass can add modern flare to any kitchen.

Chalkboard Paint

Painting your backsplash with chalkboard paint is an easy and affordable DIY project. It can also be quite handy, as you can write messages, menu ideas, or anything helpful in the kitchen.

When you're ready for a clean slate, all you have to do is wipe it clean. The only down side is that the black paint may close your kitchen in and make it feel smaller.

Mirror

For smaller kitchen, a mirror as a backsplash can give the illusion of more open space. It will also bounce more light around your kitchen. The more light, the more inviting the space.

The surface of the mirror will be easy to clean, though it will end up taking more effort to keep clean as any little bit of grease or dirt will show.

Wallpaper

We only mention wallpaper because it may not be the best idea for a backsplash. It may be a fast and easy option, but it won't offer much protection and can peel from the moisture.

Stainless Steel

Lining your backsplash with stainless steel will give it a modern feel and tie all of your stainless steel appliances together. It's ideal because it's durable, easy to clean, and resistant to high temperatures.

Just be careful with acidic foods. The acid will ruin the finish if not immediately cleaned.

Consider one of these backsplash materials for your kitchen. Think about the amount of cooking you do and the level of durability and protection you need. Some materials such as chalkboard paint or wallpaper you can apply yourself. Others, such as tile, marble, and stainless steel are best left to the professionals.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Summer is here, so how do you plan to keep your kids entertained and learning new things? Why not try out a summer camp in the Omaha area? There aren't the camps we had as kids. These modern camps offer all sorts of activities and adventures to keep your young ones learning while they have the time of their lives. Here's a sampling of some of the camps available in Omaha.

Wildlife Encounters Summer Camp

17114 S 63rd St
Papillion, Nebraska 68113

Kangaroos, Parrots & Lizards oh my! Meet real animal ambassadors while learning about wildlife conservation, zookeeping, animal careers & animal care! Miles of hiking trails, swimming pool with lifeguards, nature center & more!

Summer Explorations

2810 N 118th St
Omaha, Nebraska 68164

Fun, one-week courses at "The Forward-Thinking High School" designed to spark curiosity and build skills for current and/or upcoming 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. We have seven exciting, four-day courses to choose from: Outdoor Education, Geology & Archaeology, Entrepreneurship, Crime Scene Forensics & Psychology, Film Making, Graphic Design/Marketing, and Robotics.

Rock 'n' Palooza & Happy Feet

Rock 'n' Palooza runs Mon - Fri in June & July at Countryside Village and Benson Theatre. Happy Feet runs Saturdays in June & July at Countryside Village.

Explore the music of great rock bands! Explore acting through improvisation and scene work! Get messy and create outside the box through drawing and painting! These camps explore it all!

Bloom Summer Dance Camps and Classes

Northwest Omaha (Blondo), Southwest Omaha (Oakview) & Elkhorn

Are you looking for an activity for your child that is positive, safe, and encourages development? Sign up at Bloom for summer dance camps or weekly classes!

• Ages 2 - Adults
• Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary, Musical Theater + more!

Fontenelle Forest Summer Camps

1111 Bellevue Blvd. N.
Bellevue NE 68005

Experience a wild summer outdoors at Fontenelle Forest, just minutes from downtown Omaha. Campers ages 3 to 15 will explore the outdoors through positive and fun nature-based activities designed to teach your child to love nature. With a variety of camp themes and activities, there is something for everyone! Register early to save your child's spot!

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Refinancing your Omaha home loan can seem like a great idea, with the promise of lower interest rates and reduced monthly payments. However, it's important to be aware of the hidden costs that can come with refinancing. 

By being aware of these potential costs and doing your research, you can make an informed decision about whether refinancing is the right choice for you.

Loan Application and Establishment Fees

When refinancing a home loan, lenders typically charge application and establishment fees. These fees can cover various expenses such as loan processing, property valuation, legal documentation, and loan setup. 

While some lenders may offer fee waivers or discounts, it's important to consider the loan terms and repayment structure to determine if the benefits outweigh the upfront costs.

Exit Fees and Break Costs

When refinancing your home loan before the end of the fixed-rate period or during a specific period stated in your original loan agreement, you may have to pay exit fees or break costs. These fees are meant to compensate the lender for the loss of interest income due to early repayment or refinancing.

To avoid any surprises, it's important to carefully examine your existing loan terms and consult with your current lender to understand any potential exit fees or break costs associated with refinancing. Even though refinancing may still be financially beneficial despite these costs, it's crucial to factor them into your decision-making process.

Lender's Mortgage Insurance 

Lender's Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a form of insurance that lenders may require when the loan-to-value ratio (LVR) exceeds a certain threshold, typically 80%. LMI protects the lender in the event of default by the borrower.

When refinancing, if the new loan results in a higher LVR than your current loan, you may be required to pay LMI. It's important to consider this additional cost and factor it into your refinancing calculations. However, it's worth noting that LMI is a one-time payment and may still be financially viable depending on the overall cost savings achieved through refinancing.

Loan Term and Repayment Structure

Refinancing your home loan can be a good way to evaluate your loan term and repayment structure. It can help reduce monthly payments, but it's crucial to consider the long-term impact. Extending the loan term can lead to paying more interest over the life of the loan, despite having a lower interest rate.

Evaluate the trade-off between immediate cost savings and the potential increase in overall interest paid. If your primary goal is to pay off your mortgage sooner, refinancing to a shorter loan term may be more beneficial despite potentially higher monthly payments.

Property Valuation and Legal Fees

Refinancing often requires a property valuation to determine the current market value of your home. This is done by a professional valuer and comes with costs. Legal fees, including conveyancing and mortgage registration fees, may also be involved in the refinancing process.

It's important to factor in these costs when evaluating the financial feasibility of refinancing. While they may not be substantial compared to other expenses, they contribute to the overall cost of refinancing and should be considered as part of the decision-making process.

Ongoing Fees and Charges

When taking out a new loan, it's important to not only consider the upfront fees but also the ongoing fees and charges. These may include monthly account keeping fees, annual service fees, and redraw fees, among others. It's crucial to understand the full scope of the fees and charges associated with the loan to make an informed decision.

While these fees may seem relatively small individually, they can add up over the life of the loan. Carefully review the fee structure of potential lenders and compare them against your current loan to ensure that the overall cost of the new loan aligns with your financial goals and expectations.

Interest Rate Changes and Timing

When contemplating refinancing, it's crucial to assess the timing and potential fluctuations in interest rates. While opting for a lower interest rate could lead to savings, it's necessary to take into account the likelihood of interest rates increasing in the future.

To make an informed decision about the best time to refinance, it's advisable to research the market and seek guidance from financial experts on interest rate trends and forecasts.

Make the Right Refinancing Decisions 

Refinancing one's home loan can provide financial advantages, but it's important to take into account the potential hidden costs that may affect the decision-making process. These costs include application and establishment fees, exit fees and break costs, LMI, ongoing fees, and potential interest rate changes. By considering these factors, one can make a more informed decision and ensure that refinancing is in line with their financial objectives.

Before diving into the refinancing process, carefully evaluate the overall costs and benefits, seek professional advice from an independent mortgage broker, and compare loan offers from different lenders. 

By conducting thorough research and weighing the potential hidden costs, you can navigate the refinancing journey with confidence, ensuring that it is a financially prudent decision that supports your long-term financial well-being.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Many Omaha homeowners are interested in decorating according to their individual tastes while coming up with a visually appealing look. Those magazines make it seem so simple, but it can also be quite expensive. Even if your budget is limited, you can still get the look you want. You can save money by redecorating your home with these ideas.

Reuse

Before buying new furniture, bedding, and fixtures that will quickly consume your budget, take stock of what you already own. Try to repurpose items. A simple piece of furniture can be transformed with new hardware or a fresh coat of paint.

It is possible to use different types of furniture for different purposes. An unused dining table can be turned into a desk. An old sofa table can be transformed into a mobile bar by adding wheels. Or, you can recycle and revamp an old dresser.

Simple Appearances

Bigger isn't necessarily better. Without spending a lot of money, a few simple changes can have a considerable impact. One way to achieve this is to paint a feature wall or change the color scheme. The throw rugs and light fixtures can also be changed. Even the simplest of changes, like changing the lamp shade, can have a significant impact.

Pillow covers and duvets can be added to bedspreads. But what is a duvet? A duvet is similar to a pillow case for a bedspread. You can pair duvets with existing bedspreads for a unique look. You could also make your own cover if you are looking for something more customized.

Shopping on a budget

If you want to purchase some items, consider purchasing used items. You can find inexpensive décor items in thrift stores and second-hand stores. In addition to wholesalers and liquidation merchants, salvage yards can save some money. It is also important to consider other uses for items.

Be on the lookout for items that people are trying to sell. Visit flea markets and yard sales in the Omaha area, especially now that Spring is here. There are many items available for cheap on eBay. Swap meets can also provide you with what you need, while also letting you get rid of items that no longer fit your needs.

Artwork

Rather than buying expensive reprints or originals, create your own. Use your decoupage or painting skills. Display your child's artwork. You can download free artwork to print at home. Repurpose some old wooden frames. Sponging and foiling can be used to create decorative displays.

One at a Time

It's important to take things one step at a time. Don't redecorate every room at once. Consider dividing your budget into chunks for each room that you would like to redecorate. If you look at each room individually, you may find that there is some money left over for other rooms. By taking on one room at a time, you can avoid becoming overwhelmed by taking on too much all at once.

No matter how small your budget is, there are numerous options for redecorating on a budget. With redecorating, you can make huge or small changes, both of which impact the end result. It's up to you to choose an environment that best represents your tastes in your Omaha home.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer is almost here! If you live in or near Omaha, check out these fun events scheduled this weekend that will help you remember the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and celebrate the freedom we enjoy as a result.

Memorial Day Picnic at Joslyn Castle

Mon, May 29, 11 AM – 2 PM
Joslyn Castle & Gardens
3902 Davenport St, Omaha, NE

Meet outside the Joslyn Castle grounds at the north side of the building for a potluck picnic followed by an historic walk around the grounds by Judy A., who has worked at the Joslyn for many years. Cost – $5 to help cover baked or fried chicken, which will be provided. Please bring a side dish and your own beverage. RSVP by May 22 to Judy A. at 402-213-6474 or [email protected].

Kris Lager Band's Summer Kickoff Cookout

Sun, May 28, 5 PM – Mon, May 29, 10 AM
Falconwood Park and Outlandia Music Festival
905 Allied Rd, Bellevue, NE

Kris Lager Band's Summer Kickoff Cookout w/ Dr. Webb and DJ Nate Reedy. Memorial Day Sunday, May 28.

Gates 5 p.m. | Show 7 p.m. | $20 Advance/Day Of

Ticket includes FREE tent camping! Live Music, Food by Family Traditions BBQ, Games and More!

ICON's Memorial Day Picnic

Mon, May 29, 1 PM
Danish Vennelyst Park
9100 N 31st St, Omaha, NE

It's time to kick off summer with ICON's annual Memorial Day Picnic at Vennelyst Park. $10 cover for.adults and $5 for.children 12 and under. Enjoy great music, games and prizes. This year we are changing things up a bit with a food truck, Sauce Bosses, corn hole boards and new volleyball equipment.

Memorial Day Parade

Mon, May 29, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
The Relevant Center
21220 Elkhorn Dr, Elkhorn, NE

Bring the family to downtown Elkhorn for the Memorial Day Parade followed a special service in Veterans Park by the memorial.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

"I love removing old wallpaper!" said no-one ever. When it comes to removing old wallpaper, most people would put it up there on the "not fun" list with getting teeth pulled.

But alas, removing old wallpaper is a task that must be done sometimes, especially if you buy an older home in Omaha. So how can you remove it an keep your sanity as well?

Check to See If Your Walls Were Primed

If your wallpaper is primed, that's a "prime" situation, as it will definitely speed up the removal job. Priming paper became a common practice in the 1990's, as it kept the glue from forming too strong of a bond with the plaster.

It's easy enough to check if your walls are primed. Just loosen a corner or seam with a putty knife and pull. If it comes off in one sheet, success!

With well-primed walls, dry stripping should work for the entire job and you could finish a room in a couple of hours at most.

Water Works Miracles

If your wallpaper is not primed, all is not lost. Wallpaper glue is water-based, so you can still remove it if your walls are not primed.

Here's a technique the pros use:

• Score or perforate the paper and its backing in sections so water can soak through and loosen the glue. The pros recommend a scoring tool called the PaperTiger (under $20) because it doesn’t harm the wall.
• Douse the perforated paper with hot water using a pump or compression sprayer. The big mistake most people make is using a regular old spray bottle or damp rag to wet the paper. This leads to hours of fruitless scraping because the paper and its backing don’t get sufficiently saturated. The sprayer, on the other hand, gives you the firepower to really soak the glue.
• Let the paper soak for about 15 minutes and scrape it off with a putty knife.

This process will take about 6 hours for an average room, but it's better than how long it would take if you didn't know how to do this.

Avoid Chemical Strippers Because of the Fumes

You can go with chemical wallpaper strippers, which is what the pros use. But the downside is the fumes, and it costs more than using water (of course).

Don't Try the Fabric Softener Trick

You may have heard that using fabric softeners with diluted water will remove wallpaper. Yet, no expert agrees with that method.

In fact, fabric softener makes removing wallpaper even more complicated and messier than just using water, as it ends up mixing the glue with the fabric softener. The fabric softener can also harm drywall.

So when it comes to removing wallpaper, the happiest journey (assuming your walls aren’t primed) involves water — and patience.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

It's common to hear the term "all-cash buyer" during real estate shows. It's often used as a way to sweeten a deal, but what's the reality? You can buy a house in Omaha with cash or with a mortgage, and each has its own pros and cons.

Buying a House with Cash Is Increasingly Uncommon

You're in the minority if you're able to buy a house with cash. Considering the median home sale price is in the mid-300,000s, most people cannot afford it. In 2020, the National Association of Realtors' Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers estimates that around 87% of home buyers finance their purchase.

There is no requirement that you show up with a suitcase full of cash if you have enough savings to buy a home outright.

What it means is that you're not getting a loan. The money may come from savings, the sale of another property, or the use of investments.

The Upsides of Paying Cash

If you can pay cash for a home, there are undoubtedly some benefits, including:

• Sellers find you more attractive as a buyer. Right now, this is a big deal. Omaha has a limited inventory of homes and a high demand for them. Bidding wars are inevitable. When making an offer, paying cash can help you be more competitive. That’s preferable to sellers because then they don’t have to worry about what happens if your mortgage financing falls through. A cash-only transaction is also usually faster, so you can get to the closing quicker, which sellers tend to like.
• You don't have to worry about mortgage payments when you buy a house in cash, but you also won't be paying the interest and fees associated with a home loan.
• Omaha home buyers who pay cash have lower closing costs because they aren't paying fees associated with mortgages like lender fees.
• It's not just the seller who benefits from a faster closing. It’s advantageous for the buyer as well. You might be able to close on a home within a week of your offer being accepted. If you buy with a mortgage, it can take a month or more.
• Once you close, the home really is yours. You don’t have the fear of not being able to make the payments and subsequently losing your home.

The Downsides of Paying Cash

There are a few cons of paying cash for a home that you do have to think about as well.

• There is no liquid money in your account. Your cash won't be easy to access if you use it all to buy a house.
• If you invest your money in something other than a house, you could make better returns.
• The mortgage tax deduction will not be available to you. Your taxable income goes down when you itemize deductions for the first $750,000 of mortgage interest.

Talk to a financial professional before buying a house in cash if you're weighing the option. You can discuss all the different scenarios and how that choice could affect you.

Of course, if you’d still have money in savings or investments after buying a house with cash, then it might make the decision easier.

Have your home needs changed in the past year? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your present home, or need to downsize to a more suitable home. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect and talk about all the amazing opportunities that are available to you!

Mother's Day may be 2 weeks away, but why wait? If you live in or near Omaha, there are a number of events starting this week that will help you show your appreciation for mom. Here are a few events that will help this be the best Mother's Day ever.

Mother’s Day Market Pop Up Shop
May 6 (1:00 – 5:00 pm) Free

No matter if you are shopping for yourself or someone special, you will be sure to find something unique at The Mother’s Day Market! Come shop for one of a kind gifts while supporting local small businesses! There will be a variety of items including beauty, candles, jewelry, clothing, treats, handmade items, and more! Mingle while shopping from our 40+ local small businesses, enjoy live music, food, raffle prizes, fun activities and more! You won’t want to miss this FREE event so mark your calendars and bring your friends!

Mother’s Day Tea & Cupcake Tasting
May 7 (12:00 – 2:00 pm) $30

Join SmallCakes at Diana’s Tea Shop in Papillion for a tasting like no other! We are excited to pair cupcakes and tea that will dazzle your taste buds. Bring Mom or another loving person in your life and introduce them to the world of flavor.

Each ticket includes:

4 cupcakes,*4 teas, History of teas by tea shop owners Tim & Angie, Cupcake presentation by Amanda from SmallCakes, 1 Entry into drawing for a giveaway of a Mother’s Day giftbox ($25 value!)

Mother’s Day at TCBY
May 8 (all day),  TBA 2023

TCBY is celebrating moms with the first 6 oz. free!

*Participating locations only. Offer valid Sunday, May 8th. Call or see store for details.

A Mother’s Love Inc Presents a Sip & Paint for New/Expecting Mothers 
May 12 (6:00 – 8:30 pm) $25

Spring Tea 2023  
May 13, 2023, (12:00 pm & 2:00 pm)  
Adults: $32 Youth under 12: $10